Frame construction for tractor-driven winches



1,638,243 1927' H. A. CLARK FRAME CONSTRUCTION FOR TRACTOR DRIVEN WINCHES Filed July 6, 1925 WJM EN TOR.

ATTORNEY.

I Patented Aug. 9, 1927.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE. I

HARRY A; CLARK, WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS.

FRAME CONSTRUCTION FOR TRACTOR-DRIVEN WINCHES.

Application filed July 6,

refers more particularly to new and useful;

improvements in frame construction for hoisting winches to be installed upon and operated by said tractors, the primary object being to provide a frame of the character designated, having an underswung portion suspended at two or more points from a pair of heavy metal side beams, whereby to permit extension of the frame beyond the front of said tractor, whereon is arranged to be mounted a hoisting drum and its con trolling mechanism.

The invention further contemplates a frame construction of exceptionally durable build to enable the same to eiiiciently func- 'tion in heavy work, such. as casing pulling in oil fields for example, and one which very effectually prevents buckling of the front axle of the machine when the latter is subjected to unusually strenuous work.

The invention further aims in its objects to provide a pivotal point upon which the entire front of the tractor may swing laterally to obviate or neutralize the vibratory action produced through the rotation of the winch or drum, such pivotal point being provided by novel U shaped members mounted in suspension from the side beams of the frame.

l/Vith the foregoing and other objects and advantages in view, the invention has particular reference to'certain novel features of construction and assembly of parts, in-

cluding the U shaped members and their as sociated elements, and which will be described and manifested in the course of the following detail description, and illustrated in the appended drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 represents a side elevationalview of the tractor Winch showing the new and improved frame construction thereon.

Figure 2 is a plan View of the U shaped suspension members and bridge member,

Figure 3 is an end view of Figure 52, and

Figure 4 is a modification of the bridge member, illustrating the manner in which the latter may be cast in a single piece.

In proceeding in accordance with the fore going, 1 denotes a tractor upon which a pair of heavy beams 2 are disposed longitudinally on either side thereof, and extended a short distance beyond the front, to effect a suitable support for a drum 3. This drum is rotated from a countershaft 4 driven in .urn from the transmission of the tractor, on

1925. Serial No. 41,583.

the opposite side of the machine illustrated in Figure 1.

Such rotation of the drum 3, together with the irregular pull and strain of the cable.

thereon, causes excessive vibration of the en'- tire machine, resulting in wearing and straining the frame, and possible buckling of the bridge members now commonly used. In order to satisfactorily overcome or neutralize this vibration and strain, a cast U member 5 has been provided which has its ends securely bolted to either of the beams 2, forwardly of the tractor, and centrally pivoted at a to the front axle of the machine. This arrangement afi'ords free lateral movement of the upper frame, thus avoiding strain upon the underswung portion of the frame, later described.

A tongue 6' is centrally formed upon the inner side of the U member 5, upon either side of which a channel member 7, or its equivalent is mounted to extend rearwardly, terminating beneath the tractor radiator, and upon which the latter rests, as shown. In support of the channel irons 7 herein termed bridge member, a second U suspension member 8 is provided which also has its ends secured to either of the beams 2, and extends beneath the tractor radiator, to thereby aid in the support of the latter, and

which is centrally secured at 6 near the eX- tremity of the bridge member 7. As an add ed support of the bridge member 7, a V shaped casting 9 is interposed between the two U shaped suspension members described, but may be dispensed with unless the nature of thework to which the machine is applied, requires it. i

In Figure 4 is shown a modified form of the bridge member 7, which consists of a single casting 10, having a U end thereon, I

otal engagement of the upper elements of the frame to the lower assembly,'such disadvanper ends secured tothe side beams means to pivotally connect the front one of said menobers to the front aXle of the tractor, the

rear of said members embracing the tractor radiator so as to support same,a rearwardly projecting tongue on the base of said front member, a horizontal bridge member having a front part which engages on opposite sides of the tongue and is pivoted thereto, and means to secure the rear end of the bridge member to the base of the rear of said U-shaped members.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

HARRY A. CLARK. 

